Israeli mini-burger chain opening two Temecula locations

When Donna Tuchner returned to her native Israel to open a burger joint she steered away from the super-sizing trend. Instead, the New York-trained chef hopped on the small plates wagon and opened up a restaurant that specializes in adorable mini-burgers.

Since opening that first site in Tel Aviv, Burgerim — Hebrew for “many burgers” — has expanded across the globe with Temecula next in line.

The two local Burgerims, which a company spokesperson said are set to open in two to three weeks, are located on Temecula Parkway by the Home Depot and on Winchester Road in the Rancho Temecula Town Center. Both will serve beer and wine.

The company, which bills itself as a “gourmet fast casual franchise” sells mini-burgers, not sliders, which are smaller than the 3 oz. patties made at Burgerim. Customers can mix and match, ordering “uno, duo or trio” burgers, and select from an expansive list of patties, from lamb and wagyu beef to falafel and veggie. Top those mini burgers with a fried egg or some jalapenos and they’re ready.

For local vegan or vegetarian customers, the veggie burger — made with green lentils, carrots, onion, tofu and breadcrumbs — has earned some rave reviews.